Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to the six monthly review of Strategic Risks facing the Council as at September 2023. The Corporate Governance Officer introduced the report and advised that three new risks had been added namely: 

• Cost related to the proposed asylum centre at Scampton may have an adverse impact on financial sustainability, 
• Central Lincolnshire Local Plan may not deliver land required for sustainable development to meet the needs of residents, businesses and communities;
• Inability to deliver Climate change ambitions and not deliver net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Furthermore the likelihood score related to the Council’s governance having the ability to support quality decision making had changed. Members were provided with brief context in respect of each risk.

Debate ensued, and there were numerous contributions on the climate change-related risk. Members' contributions included comments about the recently changed national picture and guidance and the potential effects on the work of local authorities in meeting the 2050 target for net zero. The Chairman invited those concerned to address the Environmental and Sustainability Working Group. He also informed Members that the Annual progress report of  that Group was due for consideration at the Prosperous Communities Committee which Members may find useful to understood the progress that had been achieved.  The Council’s position remained to identify r stepped targets for reducing emissions.

Regarding the new RAF Scampton risk and comments made about the costs on the Council, the Director of Corporate Services and Section 151 Officer outlined that any attributable costs were reported to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and the Committee would continue to receive those reports on a quarterly basis.

During the discussion a Member sought to understand when the assessment of housing need was last undertaken and whether it was considered current enough and fit for purpose given the volatile and changing housing market. It was questioned whether there was a risk that the type of property been built would not meet the need established, creating a potential risk around homelessness. Enquiries would be made and the information reported back through matters arising to this Committee.  

It was questioned by the Member Champion for Risk, as to whether the current practice of receiving reports every six months was still appropriate, given the increase in risk.   It was noted this was a matter for Members to determine and it was suggested a change in frequency of reporting could be considered as part of the revised Risk Management Strategy which was due before Committee in coming months.  Further consideration would be given to reporting frequency and reporting style outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED that having reviewed the Strategic Risk register, noting the comments made, no additional strategic risks be included; and current controls and proposed actions are considered sufficiently robust.